Alcovendas tops Visayas tourney for world wordfest

CEBU, Philippines - Albert Lee Alcovendas of Cebu Institute of Technology bagged the inaugural title of the first World Youth Scrabble Championship- Visayas Qualifying tournament at the HRM Laboratory of the University of the Visayas.

 Alcovendas reigned supreme over 38 participants with 13 points.

 “I was not expecting that I would top in this tournament because I encountered experienced athletes already but I think it was a lucky day for me to win the title.

“This even motivated me to strive hard and excel in the future tournaments that I’ll be joining,” said Alcovendas.

 The second place was secured by Mae Villagonzalo of the University of the Visayas, who got 11 points.

 The third and fourth spots were also taken by UV athletes, Joy Policher and Khie Acasili, respectively while Nathalie Cabaluna of the University of San Jose-Recoletos occupied the fifth place.

 The top five winners automatically earn the right to be the Philippines’ representatives in the 5th World Youth Scrabble Championships on December 8-10 in Manila along with other qualifiers in Luzon and Mindanao.

 Aside from medals and tokens, the champion received P1,500. The second and third placers got P1,000 and P800, respectively while the fourth and fifth had P500 each.

 National Scrabble Association of the Philippines (NASCAP) President Engr. Robin Rubina said that the winners are all worthy for the great opportunity waiting for them.

 “These winners are already the best Cebu or even in the Visayas and that they form part of the Philippine delegation for the 5th World Youth Scrabble Championships that would be hosted by the Philippines for the very first time,” said Rubina.

 He also observed that the players were aware how competitive playing scrabble is.

“Scrabble is not only a hobby and not merely playing words but this would test and challenge the mathematical and analytical skills of the players,” he added. 

 In the Open category, Odette Rio of Iloilo City outsmarted Teodoro Martus Jr. of the UV Wizards-Cebu, who just landed in the second place.

Tony Malonzo of SCAPI-Manila, Jowar Ayuno of UV and Oxcar Rivera from Binangonan, Rizal, completed the top five winners. – THE FREEMAN